Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), commonly known as Vitamin K2-7, is a fat-soluble vitamin and a member of the menaquinone family, characterized by a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone ring and a side chain of seven isoprene units [1, 7, 11]. It is primarily produced by bacterial fermentation and is found in fermented foods like natto, offering superior bioavailability and a significantly longer circulatory half-life compared to Vitamin K1 [1, 12, 14]. MK-7 functions as a critical cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), which facilitates the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) such as osteocalcin for bone mineralization and matrix Gla protein (MGP) to prevent vascular calcification [1, 4, 14]. Beyond its role in calcium metabolism, MK-7 exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties by modulating signaling pathways like NF-kappaB and acting as a ligand for the pregnane X receptor (PXR) [1, 3, 7]. Clinically, it is utilized to support bone and cardiovascular health, though it poses a significant safety concern due to its ability to directly antagonize the effects of vitamin K antagonists like warfarin [16, 17].

Other names

Vitamin K2-7Vitamin K2(35)Vitamin MK-7Menaquinone 7MK7